Dementia is prevalent among the elderly population of Europe, and cases of dementia are expected ... more Dementia is prevalent among the elderly population of Europe, and cases of dementia are expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. While dementia has severe psychological impact and social consequences for individuals, it has primarily been studied from a neuro-medical viewpoint. Understandings of the psycho-social implications of the syndrome and consequences for wellbeing and quality of life are topics that have begun to emerge only in the previous two decades. An involvement of disciplines other than those stemming from the neurological and medical fields can enrich the way dementia and its effects on the wellbeing of individuals are handled. This paper argues that in this light, archaeology can make a valuable contribution to European dementia care. It sets out a theoretical argument that builds on previous initiatives involving archaeology and heritage in a health care context. The argument I present highlights specific characteristics of archaeology that make it suitable for such an involvement. I conclude that engaging in archaeology-based activities could be beneficial for the wellbeing of people with dementia.
This paper argued that archaeology-based activities can be introduced in dementia care as a meani... more This paper argued that archaeology-based activities can be introduced in dementia care as a meaningful activity; such interventions have the potential to trigger multiple levels of engagement, counter negative psycho-social effects common in dementia and contribute to quality of life and wellbeing.
Dementia is prevalent among the elderly population of Europe, and cases of dementia are expected ... more Dementia is prevalent among the elderly population of Europe, and cases of dementia are expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. While dementia has severe psychological impact and social consequences for individuals, it has primarily been studied from a neuro-medical viewpoint. Understandings of the psycho-social implications of the syndrome and consequences for wellbeing and quality of life are topics that have begun to emerge only in the previous two decades. An involvement of disciplines other than those stemming from the neurological and medical fields can enrich the way dementia and its effects on the wellbeing of individuals are handled. This paper argues that in this light, archaeology can make a valuable contribution to European dementia care. It sets out a theoretical argument that builds on previous initiatives involving archaeology and heritage in a health care context. The argument I present highlights specific characteristics of archaeology that make it suitable for such an involvement. I conclude that engaging in archaeology-based activities could be beneficial for the wellbeing of people with dementia.
This paper argued that archaeology-based activities can be introduced in dementia care as a meani... more This paper argued that archaeology-based activities can be introduced in dementia care as a meaningful activity; such interventions have the potential to trigger multiple levels of engagement, counter negative psycho-social effects common in dementia and contribute to quality of life and wellbeing.
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